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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World

How does a blackbird know not to mate with a thrush?

blackbird
The birds and the bees … a blackbird. Photograph: Top-Pics Tbk/Alamy

How do animals know which other animals are of their species? Do they need an element of self-awareness? In short, how does a blackbird know it should mate with another blackbird and not a thrush?

Jill Britcher, Ashford, Kent

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com. Please include name, address and phone number

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